Fresh injury blow for Millwall's Nicky Bailey

Millwall midfielder Nicky Bailey has suffered a setback in his bid to return from an injury lay-off.

The 30-year-old has been absent since the end of September when catching his studs in the turf at Huddersfield.

And hopes of an imminent comeback have now been dashed by a fresh tear in his calf muscle.

Lions physio Bobby Bacic told the club's official website: "Nicky is having the most wretched luck at present and although we do not predict this injury to keep him away from training for long, he will need to play in the Under-21s before he can be considered for first-team selection."

Bacic also issued an update on the progress of several other absentees.

"The last international break of the calendar year gave us time to iron out a few niggles before the matches return regularly again," he added.

"We modified training for a number of players, including Ricardo Fuller, who had a minor problem with his knee, and Richard Chaplow, who had his wisdom teeth removed.

"Both of these players were back in full training today, with Chaplow coming in on his day off over the weekend to make up for lost time.

"The players who did not train today included both Scotts - Malone and McDonald - who have minor muscle problems, and Nicky Bailey, who had resumed training but at the end of the week developed a small tear in his other calf.

"This leaves Carlos Edwards as the only long-term injury and he is now happily walking without his crutches and brace."